Lipscomb joins Nashville in mourning the loss of John Seigenthaler

By Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 | Jul 14, 2014

With the passing of legendary journalist and freedom of speech advocate John Seigenthaler in Nashville on July 11, the Lipscomb community lost a friend who was always eager to share his time with students, faculty and anyone who wanted to learn more about his experiences, courage and lessons learned throughout his illustrious life in politics and media.

Seigenthaler has been featured at a number of Lipscomb events including the Pizza and Politics Series, the Thomas H. Olbricht Christian Scholars’ Conference and the Tom Ingram “now that you ask …” series as well as has been a guest speaker in a variety of undergraduate and graduate classes among other activities.

A native of Nashville, Seigenthaler, 86, led the Tennessean newspaper, was the first editorial director of USA Today and was the founder of the Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center. In addition to his more than four decades as a journalist, Seigenthaler worked with John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert; advocated for civil rights, justice and freedom of speech; and has been witness to some of history’s most significant moments in the last century.

Linda Peek Schacht, associate professor of communication and political science and founding director of the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, counted Seigenthaler as a colleague and friend for many years. Click here to read her reflection on his life.